Hello, I have exactly the same problem. (https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=84985) I suspect that the 98 V70 has the same "chaos" as the C70 of this year... The C70 uses different steering racks, SMI and TRW. First you have to find out which steering rack is i...

Lemforder,Delphi,Febi,Meyle HD,Trw,Moog(Federal Mogul) are at the top of the range about suspension parts.

See the data plate information if your car has all those numbers. Both my 98 S70 and 98 V70 were early enough in the production year that they don't have that last digit. Cars with the shorter number are TRW rack from the factory. The character was added to differentiate once SMI was added as a supp...

I have a '97 850, so my experience may not apply to your '98 V70, but I had good luck using Volvo OEM inner tie rods. I wrote up a short DIY guide here:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=58194#top

I just used a pipe wrench to remove the old, I didn't really torque the new one, just tightened according to how big they are. Mine are all TRW so I haven't had to play the sizing game. Good luck!

You can align them to 0 toe in with curtain rod or dowel , then drive at 70-80kph to your alignment shop ok.

viewtopic.php?t=70349
viewtopic.php?t=28454

The first guide, which I wrote, will get you good enough to drive to the alignment shop. The second will probably get you a good alignment.

Also, for what it's worth, a few weeks after that post I got an actual alignment done and found that I wasn't really all that close to spec. But it was close enough to not destroy my tires.

You should not need it, unless the shocks will change the ride height or if the control arms are worn.

You may want to look to the spring seats as well (go only with Sachs)

It's not so much the new shocks as the fact that you're taking everything apart. There are several places with some possibility of adjustment that you'd need to be very sure they're back in the same place. Both at the top of the strut and the bottom. An alignment is cheaper than new tyres. At least ...